Best LA neighborhoods

Los Angeles is a big, sprawling city—about 500 square miles of neighborhoods, beaches, hills, and lots of palm trees. Choosing where to live in LA is like browsing through a giant menu, there’s a ton of options so it’s about figuring out what flavor is right for you. Whether you end up vibing with the chill scene in Venice, soaking up the history in Pasadena, or going glam in Beverly Hills, there’s a place for.

Now, let’s break down a bit about what LA has on the table and how you can find your slice of paradise in this urban jungle.

Finding Your Neighborhood:

What’s at the top of your list of preferences? Looking for good schools for the kids? Or maybe you want a short drive to work so you’re not stuck in that infamous LA traffic? Perhaps being close to the beach for relaxing weekends out or near scenic hiking trails to feel closer to nature? Or are you all about trendy cafes, catching live music, or gallery hopping?

Your daily grind and what you’re into will steer you towards the neighborhood for you. Taking a moment to really think about what type of lifestyle energizes you will get you closer to finding a place that feels like home.

Consider Affordable Costs:  

While LA, much like NYC, can easily burn a hole in your wallet if you’re not mindfully spending, the cost can swing a lot depending on the neighborhood. It’s a good move to match your budget with the areas that pique your interest. Look at the housing costs, the bills, and the extras like how much it’ll cost to grab a drink or a coffee in the local spots. Finding a balance between the cool factor and what’s healthy for your finances will set you up for a comfy yet practical living setup.

Scoping Out LA’s Neighborhoods:

One of the fun parts about living in LA is cruising around and checking out its different neighborhoods. Each one has its own personality. You have the beachy laid-back vibe in Santa Monica, the creative buzz in Silver Lake, the quiet suburban feel in Studio City, or the hustle and bustle of Downtown. The beauty of LA is that it doesn’t demand conformity but celebrates diversity in its neighborhoods as well as its people.

Being a local in LA means you get to hop from one spot to another, exploring what each enclave has to offer. And, of course, finding that special corner of the city that you can call your own.

Here are a few notable neighborhoods to get your search started:

1. Silver Lake: Known for its hipster culture, Silver Lake is a creative hub buzzing with indie music, trendy cafes, and a lively nightlife scene. The iconic Silver Lake Reservoir is also a great spot for a scenic jog or leisurely walk.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500 – $3,000
• Median home listing price: $1.6m

2. Santa Monica: This beachfront neighborhood is perfect if you love the ocean breeze and laid-back vibe. The Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are always buzzing, plus, there are tons of local eateries and shops to explore.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,200 – $3,500
• Median home listing price: $1.5m – $1.8m

3. Pasadena: Steeped in history and charm, Pasadena offers a blend of old-town feel with modern amenities. It’s family-friendly, has great schools, and is home to the beautiful Huntington Library and Gardens.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,700 – $3,000
• Median home listing price: $1.1m – $1.3m

4. Venice: Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice Beach is where you’ll find Muscle Beach gym, vibrant street performances, and the picturesque canals that give a nod to its Italian namesake.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,400 – $3,700
• Median home listing price: $2.9m – $3.5m

5. West Hollywood (WeHo): West Hollywood is the place to be for a vibrant nightlife, trendy boutiques, and a progressive, energetic culture. It’s also a hub for LA’s LGBTQ+ community.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500 – $3,800
• Median home listing price: $1.2m – $1.5m

6. Studio City: A serene suburban feel while still being close to the action, Studio City has lovely homes, good schools, and plenty of parks. It’s a family-friendly choice with a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,200 – $2,500
• Median home listing price: $2m – $2.3m

7. Downtown LA (DTLA): If you thrive in a bustling urban environment, DTLA is a rising star with its mix of historic architecture, modern lofts, cultural venues, and a food scene that’s gaining a serious rep.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,600 – $2,800
• Median home listing price: $700,000

8. Beverly Hills: For a taste of the luxe life, Beverly Hills is iconic, with its palm-tree-lined streets, upscale shopping on Rodeo Drive, and posh eateries.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500 – $3,000
• Median home listing price: $5.9m – $6.6m

9. Westwood: Known for being home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood is a bustling neighborhood full of students and young professionals. With a median age of just 27, it’s a great place for those looking to mingle. It’s located near BelAir and Beverly Hills, making it a relatively safe area. Westwood is also known for its historic commercial district, Westwood Village, where you can find a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,000 – $3,600
• Median home listing price: $1.3m – $1.6m

10. Beverly Grove: Beverly Grove is recognized for its shopping and museums, including the Beverly Center and La Brea Tar Pits. It’s surrounded by Hollywood, Hancock Park, and Koreatown. Larchmont, a residential gem with a small-town charm, is also nearby. For those who enjoy green spaces, Hollywood Hills offers twisty residential streets weaving among green areas with stunning views​​.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500
• Median home listing price: $1.8 – $1.9m

11. Arts District: As the name suggests, the Arts District is a hub for creativity and artsy vibes. It’s one of the trendiest neighborhoods in LA, filled with a variety of artistic venues, making it a vibrant and unique place to live​.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,200 and $2,700
• Median home listing price: $850,000 – $1.m

12. Cheviot Hills: Cheviot Hills is a quieter neighborhood in western LA, appreciated for its lower-than-average violent crime rate. It’s situated between Century City and Culver City, with easy access to Santa Monica, Downtown, and Hollywood. It’s particularly favored by families moving to LA​.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $ 2,000
• Median home listing price: $3.m – $3.2m

13. Playa del Rey & Playa Vista: These two neighborhoods are perfect for young professionals and students desiring a small beach town-feel in LA. Located near Venice and Santa Monica beach, they offer a much-needed retreat from the buzzing lifestyle of the city. The area’s walkability is rated high, with a score of four out of five, thanks to a variety of independent stores, restaurants, and the beach nearby. The area is dubbed as the heart of Silicon Beach due to the presence of many tech jobs at startups and major corporations like Microsoft and Google. It’s a great place for young professionals looking to advance their careers in tech. Despite its advantages and beach town charm, the area is not as expensive as Venice and Santa Monica, making it relatively affordable.

Housing costs:

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500 – $3,500
• Median home listing price: $900,000 – $1.4m

Each neighborhood in LA packs its own unique vibe and personality, whether you are looking for a lively and young atmosphere, a creative and artistic vibe, a quiet and family-friendly environment, or a place with great shopping and entertainment options. The fun part is getting out there, exploring, and finding which one resonates with you.

As you wander around, you might just find that the mashup of vibes across the city is what makes living in LA a one-of-a-kind experience.

No matter which part of Los Angeles you decide to move to, having the right help can make all the difference. Give the moving pros at Piece of Cake Moving & Storage a call for a stress-free move. Driving a big moving truck through busy LA streets might seem like a big deal, but for us, it’s just another day at work. We offer all the help you need with packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly. And with our flat fee guarantee, you can trust that you have a dependable partner for your move. We’ll take care of the moving logistics, so you can start enjoying your new LA neighborhood right away.